To promote awareness on population and other related issues among young Filipinos, the Commission on Population (POPCOM) in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu Province held its first Division Level Pop Quiz and On-the-spot Skills Competition last January 26, 2016 at the Capitol Social Hall.

The event had four competitions, PopEd Quiz, Essay Writing, Jingle Composition and Presentation and Poster Making. This year’s theme is “Artistry at its Best by Harmonizing Talents: Maximizing Skills”.

Through the event, the youth and the public in general are also informed on population issues and population and development concepts such as responsible parenthood, poverty, adolescent health and development, gender, environment, resources and sustainable development.

“ The event is an awareness on population related issues and this is not concentrated on the students alone, that’s why we also invited the public for them to be informed about population issues and development “ PopCom Region 7 Information Officer Sheryl Mary Ygay said.

Ygay added that PopCom is not just about population statistics. It is the central policy making, planning and coordinating body for the population program.

“Dili ra man jud na sa numbers or statistics like for example when it comes to education if nag-increase ang ato population sa atong school age nga children so it would also need additional classrooms and additional teachers “ she said.

Meanwhile, PopCom Cebu Province Focal Person Ma. Luzely Rufo said that Cebu Provincial Government shouldered the food expenses and prizes for the event.

PopQuiz officially became a national competition in 1981 measuring the know-how of high school students, both from private and public schools, on population, family planning, and other related concerns.

The winners in the PopEd Quiz, Blesshiela Aulestia of Tayud National High School (NHS) grabbed the first place while Sweetie Juntong of Manguiao NHS placed second, John Mar Nogra of Daanbantayan NHS ranked third while Shenny Jagdon of Libaong NHS and Maricon Junio of Vito NHS were declared fourth and fifth placers, respectively.

In the essay writing contest, Mary Menchie Atienza of Doña Melagros Osmeña NHS won first place, Niño Joycelee Tubo of Consolacion NHS got the second spot, Ma. Berthie Bernadette Casinto won third place, while Krizzia Camille Rufo of Argao NHS and Jerose Dabon of Putat NHS took fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Gabrielle Louis Kong of Medellin National Science and Technology School was declared first place in Jingle Composition and Presentation Khena Espiritu of Anapog Integrated School won second place followed by the third placer Joey Dadula Perdez of Jugan NHS. Shaheena De Leon and Cherry Mae Escobido were adjudged fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the Poster Making Contest, Daryl Pepito of Patao NHS won the first place, John Jolly Quiño of Liloan NHS Don Bosco Extension placed second, Joshua Abanico of Tugbongan NHS won third place, while Joshua Tumabini of Medellin NSTS and Jill Maureen Villaflor of Oslob NHS were declared fourth and fifth placers.

The first placer will receive Php1, 500.00, second placer will receive Php1, 000.00 and Php800.00. The third, fourth and fifth placers receive certificates.

Each winner from first place to third place will receive a certificate and a cash prize.

The winners of the division level will compete at the regional level in Lapu-Lapu City this coming February 11 and 12. The national level competition will be on February 22 in General Santos City. / LEE DELA CERNA